Running a dual-monitor setup with Windows Vista

Posted by:
Brandon LeBlanc
05:52 AM Wednesday
Jun 20, 2007
75 Comments

Earlier this week I received my second Dell UltraSharp 2407FP 24-inch monitor to accompany my already in-use 2407FP monitor. I now have both 2407FP monitors connected to my ATI Radeon X1650 Pro via DVI. I have both monitors running at 1920x1200 screen resolution.

I created a video showing off running Windows Vista with multiple monitors and demonstrate Flip3D when two monitors are in use. I also talk about the ability to choose which monitor Windows Sidebar runs on.

Video: Flip3D with 2 Monitors in Windows Vista

Windows Vista's Display Settings allows you to control both your monitors. You can designate any one of the two monitors as your PC's Primary Display. Using the Identify Monitors button at the top of the Display Settings window you can identify which monitor is 1 and which is monitor 2. When I first connected my second monitor to my PC, it simply mirrored the screen from my first monitor. However, this was not the behavior I wanted. In Display Settings, I clicked on monitor 2 and checked "Extend the desktop to this monitor" to add the second monitor as usable desktop space. With this checked, I was then able to drag apps and use the second monitor's desktop as an extension of my desktop on my Primary Display.

Your PC will save the settings of the apps you drag to the second monitor. For example, I dragged Windows Live Mail over to my second monitor. When I exited Windows Live Mail and then opened it back up - it opened back up on my second monitor. Your PC will preserve - or "remember" - the settings of which monitor that app is opened up on even after rebooting.

So what do I use my second monitor for? I read a lot of RSS feeds and email throughout the day. While working on writing blog posts or editing video content, I keep Windows Live Mail opened up on the second monitor where I can watch and monitor new feeds (and email) as they arrive. I occasionally have Windows Media Center opened up and playing a recorded TV show on the second monitor while I work as well.

If you're running Windows Vista with two monitors, I'd love to hear how you're using both monitors!

You can also check out Nick's post from back in March on a PC running with 4 monitors.

The Dell UltraSharp 2407FP Monitors are Certified for Windows Vista.

Comments

kpacquer

Posted on: March 27, 2008 at 7:46PM
Lukaz,

RE: Dual display switches positions every time you reboot / lock the computer.

If you're using an nVidia driver, try updating it. I had the same problem, this solved it.

Discovered the solution on the Microsoft Support site from the Vista - Community section.
Robert W

Posted on: April 12, 2008 at 6:48PM
Brandon,

Great video! I've actually been using a dual-monitor setup via my Dell P3 laptop for years. It's invaluable when building software with Visual Studio.

But today was my first one ever using Vista on my own computer. I have dual 22" LCD monitors and it's beautiful!

There's one thing I'm trying to do though that your video almost helped me resolve but not quite.

Simply, when I'm working on Screen 1, I'd like to have the option to have the Sidebar slideshow gadget display photos full screen on Screen 2.

Your mention in the video of being able to detach any gadget came close but the slideshow won't allow for full-screen display.

Might you know of a way to do this?

Robert W.

Vancouver, BC
Peter88

Posted on: May 16, 2008 at 4:49AM
Anyone help? I have Vista Home premium. My graphics ATI 2100 supports 3 monitors. I am currently using HDMI to connect to my HD tv. On first install it came up worked as a copy of my desktop (which suited me) , then I lost that and it beacme an extension. (Which I dont want) I can't seem to find how to go back to it being a copy? I've tried uninstall, I've tried removing the cables, etc.. but no.

Any advice please?

PS I recall the first windows.. "not worth the bother" I was told.. "it eats your resources"... nothing changed there then? :)

Thanks

Peter
steelosophy

Posted on: June 18, 2008 at 8:12AM
I uses 2 17 inch Dell monitors which both runs at 1280*1024 in Windows Vista Ultimate. I use one monitor for my primary desktop (emails, docs) and the other one which is right in front of me for browsing and programming related stuff. I have to say that Dual Monitors in Vista has been such an improvement from it's predecessor.
Sootie

Posted on: June 23, 2008 at 7:16PM
I work as an IT guy for about 170ish users 90% of which use Dual monitors and Vista. Everyone loves the dual monitors and would never be able to go back to using one monitor (myself included).

I use my left monitor for outlook, sidebar gadgets and internet explorer and the right hand monitor for remote controlling servers and computers.

What does seem to be causing an issue at the moment however is every windows update which comes out seems to reset the configuration of the dual monitors and i have to run around to all the peoples desk's who cant remember how to enable them again. What i cant work out though is why it only effects some computers, my computer has been running dual monitors for the longest however has never been effected yet others with similar rights etc have....

weired....
Griffin2020

Posted on: September 24, 2008 at 2:18PM
I am running a Dell Latitude D830 with Business Premium, and a Dell 1908WFP. I have never had the primary (19" Wide) flip with the secondary (laptop screen). However, if I lock the screen, about 90% of the time when I unlock it, any applications that are on the secondary screen move to the primary. Highly annoying.
frankiebean

Posted on: September 24, 2008 at 5:15PM
I am using dual monitors on vista home premium and want to know if there is a way to take my wall paper and stretch it across both monitors like one continuos monitor? Right now when i change wall paper it appears on each monitor so I have the full picture on each one. Let me know if this is at all possible to do.

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